M44N Q4 20 Jazz Composition and Arranging Wed 12-1:00 pm Apr 7,14,21,28 May 5,12 – Pat

This course will focus on composing and arranging within the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic traditions of the instrumental jazz format. Weekly “hands on” exercises focused on transposition, pitch ranges, playability and blending characteristics of the instruments involved in the brass, woodwind, and rhythm sections of the traditional big band ensemble will propel the student to eventually realising a performable, original piece.

The work of iconic jazz composer/arrangers such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Sammy Nestico, and Gil Evans will be examined as a way of instructing and inspiring the beginning jazz composer and arranger.

A familiarity with the characteristics of Jazz, and a basic knowledge of music theory, including major/minor scale and 5-note chord construction/interpretation, as well as the ability to notate rhythms within the most common time signatures, is necessary to enjoying and benefitting from this course.

Practical facility with the “Musescore” notation platform, or any reputable notation software such as Sibelius or Finale, as well as a basic ability with piano, guitar, or an (extended) chord-playing instrument will also be an asset to anyone taking this course.

Prerequisite: Knowledge of and use of MuseScore or other notation software